What should I be looking for in a used Land Cruiser?

[edwardmatt83]

I really want a land cruiser, but have no idea what I should be looking for. I have a family of 5, soon to be 6. We want something for exploring Utah together. I also work with the local scout troop and need something to haul them around. This is what I am finding locally: 2002 Land Cruiser with 200k miles for $9500. Is this the norm for land cruisers? 13 years old and 200k miles for $9500? I'd like to keep the price as low as I can.

 

[enzo]

Here you go-
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

 

[texascrane]

I really want a land cruiser, but have no idea what I should be looking for. I have a family of 5, soon to be 6. We want something for exploring Utah together. I also work with the local scout troop and need something to haul them around. This is what I am finding locally: 2002 Land Cruiser with 200k miles for $9500. Is this the norm for land cruisers? 13 years old and 200k miles for $9500? I'd like to keep the price as low as I can.

That sounds about right. Land cruisers hold their value well and they're expensive vehicles to begin with. Just FYI, parts can be expensive too.

That said, there's a reason that vehicle is $9.5k and somebody would probably pay you to haul away a Land Rover of the same age/miles.

 

[wolfcw1]

I really want a land cruiser, but have no idea what I should be looking for. I have a family of 5, soon to be 6. We want something for exploring Utah together. I also work with the local scout troop and need something to haul them around. This is what I am finding locally: 2002 Land Cruiser with 200k miles for $9500. Is this the norm for land cruisers? 13 years old and 200k miles for $9500? I'd like to keep the price as low as I can.

FWIW - I'm about to pay 15k for a 2003 LC with 182k mi and that's right at bank value. I'm driving an hour to get it but the maintenance records are excellent. Typically everything Toyota is way overpriced here (Western NC) and most people pay it. Ex. There's a 2003 4Runner V8 SR5 for sale locally with 158k mi for 12,700 and bank value is about 9500. That's by owner. The local dealer has a 2005 4Runner V8 limited with 100k mi for 19k and bank value is 13,775.

If the maintenance has been kept up and it's in good shape I'd jump on it for that price. Of course, I have a friend who strongly suggested the 5 speed tranny in the 03+ was easily worth 5k more than the 4 spd. Shrugs.

 

[mhiscox]

FOf course, I have a friend who strongly suggested the 5 speed tranny in the 03+ was easily worth 5k more than the 4 spd. Shrugs.

I couldn't say what it was worth, but I had both a 2000 and a 2005 and felt that the move to the 5-speed made it drive nicer in a variety of situations. Probably picked up an mpg or two as well.

It seems a totally reasonable price to me, too. And if Land Cruisers strike you as pricey--and they are--you may want to check out a Sequoia as well. Many of the same components, also drives well, a bit less good off-pavement in exchange for a lot more cargo room.

 

[jhawk]

FWIW - I'm about to pay 15k for a 2003 LC with 182k mi and that's right at bank value. I'm driving an hour to get it but the maintenance records are excellent. Typically everything Toyota is way overpriced here (Western NC) and most people pay it. Ex. There's a 2003 4Runner V8 SR5 for sale locally with 158k mi for 12,700 and bank value is about 9500. That's by owner. The local dealer has a 2005 4Runner V8 limited with 100k mi for 19k and bank value is 13,775.

If the maintenance has been kept up and it's in good shape I'd jump on it for that price. Of course, I have a friend who strongly suggested the 5 speed tranny in the 03+ was easily worth 5k more than the 4 spd. Shrugs.

For what it's worth I just paid 18,000 for an 04 with 113,000 in excellent shape.

 

[wolfcw1]

You're in AZ though. I've noticed everything out there with these type vehicles is A LOT cheaper. Very very regional.

 

[NCFJ]

I am in the SC upstate, and in the same area as wolfcw1. I work with most Land Cruisers up to 97. The asking prices on 60 and 80 series is rising at a good clip. You can get an early 100 series cheaper than a nice 60 or 80. The 100 series has not bottomed out yet and it seems that until a bunch of parts are NLA the prices don't climb So right now you can find 100 series at bargain prices compared to their older siblings.

 

[REDrum]

In a 100 look for no rust, good maintenance records, a new serpentine belt every 100K miles, the color you like.

Also, if you are looking to do moderate off roading you might want to consider a 98 or 99 with factory rear and center locking difs. Later models only have Atrac

 

[doubleroses]

I actually just went with a 2006 LX470 with 135,000 for $20,000. The records were spot on and there was zero rust on it. I own a 1994 FZJ80 and a 2000 Land Cruiser as well. These things are some strong vehicles. The big things to look for are the rust and the maintenance records.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[apruitt9]

Bought my 98 for $6500 with rear diff lock, one owner, no rust, garage kept. Currently 227k on the clock, just make sure your major maintenance items have been done and don't be scared of the 98 models even though they don't have rear a/c!!